Ferroelectric energy generator, system, and method

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and energy generators that generate electrical energy through direct explosive shock wave depolarization of at least one ferroelectric element. In one embodiment, a generator ( 10 ) comprises a ferroelectric element ( 12 ), output terminals ( 14 ) coupled with the ferroelectric element ( 12 ), an explosive charge ( 16 ), and a detonator ( 18 ) coupled with the explosive charge ( 16 ). The detonator ( 18 ) is operable to detonate the explosive charge ( 16 ) to generate a shock wave that propagates at least partially through the ferroelectric element ( 12 ) to generate a voltage across at least two of the output terminals ( 14 ).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of and claims prioritybenefit to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/461,349, filed Jul. 31,2006, and entitled “FERROELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHOD.”The disclosure of the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated.by reference in its entirety into the present application.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The present invention was developed with support from the U.S.government under Contract Nos. W9113M-04-C-010 and W9113M-05-P-0014 withthe U.S. Department of Defense. Accordingly, the U.S. government hascertain rights in the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to ferroelectric energygenerators, systems, and methods. More particularly, various embodimentsof the present invention relate to an energy generator that generateselectrical energy through direct explosive shock wave depolarization ofat least one ferroelectric element.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many commercial and scientific applications use large amounts ofelectrical energy. One source of large amounts of electrical energy isexplosive-driven pulsed power energy generators. Explosive-driven pulsedpower energy generators generate high amplitude pulses of energy throughdetonation of an explosive charge. Specifically, detonation of anexplosive charge positioned in proximity to ferroelectric elements maygenerate large amounts of electrical energy. Known methods offerroelectric energy generation require the use of impactors, flyerplates, projectiles, or impedance matching materials to physicallydeform the ferroelectric elements and generate electrical energy.Unfortunately, use of these techniques increases the complexity offerroelectric energy generators and inhibits efficient energygeneration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention solve the above-described problemsand provide a distinct advance in the art of energy generation. Moreparticularly, various embodiments of the invention provide an energygenerator that generates electrical energy through direct explosiveshock wave depolarization of at least one ferroelectric element. Such aconfiguration enables large amounts of electrical energy to beefficiently generated.

In one embodiment, the generator generally comprises a ferroelectricelement, output terminals coupled with the ferroelectric element, anexplosive charge, and a detonator coupled with the explosive charge. Thedetonator is operable to detonate the explosive charge to generate ashock wave that propagates at least partially through the ferroelectricelement to generate a voltage across at least two of the outputterminals.

In another embodiment, the generator generally comprises a ferroelectricelement, output terminals coupled with the ferroelectric element, agenerally conical explosive charge, a detonator coupled with theexplosive charge, and a housing to house at least portions of theferroelectric element, the output terminals, the explosive charge, andthe detonator. The ferroelectric element has a first end, a second end,and a polarization represented by a polarization vector. The explosivecharge is positioned in proximity to the second end of the ferroelectricelement and has a base and an apex positioned such that the base isdirected towards the ferroelectric element and the apex is directed awayfrom the ferroelectric element. The detonator is operable to detonatethe explosive charge to generate a shock wave that propagates at leastpartially through the ferroelectric element generally transverse to thepolarization vector to at least partially depolarize the ferroelectricelement and generate a voltage across at least two of the outputterminals.

In another embodiment, the generator generally comprises a plurality offerroelectric elements, two output terminals coupled with eachferroelectric element, a generally conical explosive charge, a detonatorcoupled with the explosive charge, and a housing to house at leastportions of the ferroelectric element, the output terminals, theexplosive charge, and the detonator. Each ferroelectric element presentsa rectangular configuration having a first end and a second end, has apolarization represented by a polarization vector, and is comprised atleast partially of lead zirconate titanate. The explosive charge ispositioned in proximity to the second ends of the ferroelectric elementsand has a base and an apex positioned such that the base is directedtowards the ferroelectric elements and the apex is directed away fromthe ferroelectric elements. The detonator is operable to detonate theexplosive charge to generate a shock wave that propagates at leastpartially through the ferroelectric elements generally transverse to thepolarization vectors to at least partially depolarize the ferroelectricelements and generate a voltage across at least two of the outputterminals.

In another embodiment, the generator includes a ferroelectric element,output terminals coupled with the ferroelectric element, and a housingto house at least portions of the ferroelectric element and the outputterminals. The housing is operable to couple with an explosive chargesuch that detonation of the explosive charge generates a shock wave thatpropagates at least partially through the ferroelectric element togenerate a voltage across at least two of the output terminals.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofgenerating electrical energy. The method generally includes positioninga ferroelectric element in proximity to an explosive charge, couplingoutput terminals with the ferroelectric element, and detonating theexplosive charge to generate a shock wave that propagates at leastpartially through the ferroelectric element to generate a voltage acrossat least two of the output terminals.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments andthe accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detailbelow with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an energy generator configured inaccordance with various preferred embodiments of the present invention,the energy generator shown including one ferroelectric element;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the energy generator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the energy generator of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the energy generator of FIGS. 1-3coupled with an antenna element;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of another energy generator configured inaccordance with various preferred embodiments of the present invention,the energy generator shown including two ferroelectric elements;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the energy generator of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the energy generator of FIGS. 5-6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another energy generator configured inaccordance with various preferred embodiments of the present invention,the energy generator shown including an offset ferroelectric element;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another energy generator configured inaccordance with various preferred embodiments of the present invention,the energy generator shown including three ferroelectric elements;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the energy generator of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the energy generator of FIGS. 9-10;

FIG. 12 is a chart showing the electromotive force provided by variousembodiments of the energy generator;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the energy generator of FIG. 9coupled with various test equipment; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the energy generator of FIG. 9coupled with various test equipment and an antenna element.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specificembodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of the invention references theaccompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describeaspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized andchanges can be made without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is definedonly by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents towhich such claims are entitled.

As shown in FIGS. 1-14, various embodiments of the present inventionprovide an energy generator 10 operable to generate electrical energythrough direct explosive shock wave depolarization of at least oneferroelectric element 12. The generator 10 generally includes theferroelectric element 12, output terminals 14 coupled with theferroelectric element 12, an explosive charge 16, a detonator 18 coupledwith the explosive charge 16, and a housing 20 for at least partiallyhousing various portions of the generator 10.

The ferroelectric element 12 may be comprised of any ferroelectric orpiezoelectric material. “Ferroelectric material” as utilized hereinrefers to any material that possesses a spontaneous dipole moment. Thespontaneous dipole moment provided by ferroelectric materials is incontrast to the permanent magnetic moment provided by ferromagneticmaterials. In various embodiments, the ferroelectric element 12 iscomprised of lead zirconate titanate, Pb(Zr₅₂Ti₄₈)O₃. Utilization oflead zirconate titanate is desirable in various embodiments as itprovides a marked piezoelectric effect. Specifically, when compressedand/or depolarized, lead zirconate titanate will develop a substantialvoltage difference across two of its faces, as is discussed below inmore detail. However, in some embodiments, the ferroelectric element 12may comprise barium titanate, BaTiO₃, or other ferroelectric orpiezoelectric materials. The ferroelectric element 12 may be comprisedof hard or soft lead zirconate titanate.

The ferroelectric element 12 preferably presents a generally rectangularconfiguration to enable the ferroelectric element 12 to present opposedfirst and second ends 22, 24 and four sides 26, 28, 30, 32 extendingbetween the ends 22, 24. However, as should be appreciated, theferroelectric element 12 may be formed in any shape or configuration,including cylindrical and non-uniform configurations.

The polarization of the ferroelectric element 12 is represented by apolarization vector. As shown in FIG. 2, the polarization vector ispreferably generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of theferroelectric element 12. For instance, the polarization vectorpreferably extends from the side 26 to side 30 instead of from end 22 toend 24. As discussed in more detail below, such a configurationfacilitates the generation of energy by allowing a generated shock waveto propagate generally transverse to the polarization vector instead ofgenerally parallel to the polarization vector. However, theferroelectric element 12 may be polarized in any direction ororientation.

The ferroelectric element 12 may present any size. For example, thesize, such as the volume, length, width, etc, of the ferroelectricelement 12 may be varied to provide certain or desired voltages. Inpreferred embodiments, the ferroelectric element 12 presents a generallyelongated rectangular configuration having dimensions of approximately12.7 mm by 12.7 mm by 51 mm. In some embodiments, the ferroelectricelement 12 may be an EC-64 bar of lead zirconate titanate sold by EDOCorp. of New York, N.Y.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, various embodiments of the present invention mayinclude a single ferroelectric element 12. However, in otherembodiments, the generator 10 may include two ferroelectric elements 12,as shown in FIGS. 5-7, or three ferroelectric elements 12, as shown inFIGS. 9-11. As shown in FIG. 12, utilization of a plurality offerroelectric elements 12 increases the energy output of the generator10. Any number of ferroelectric elements 12 may be employed by thevarious embodiments of the present invention. For instance, large arraysof ferroelectric elements each comprising any number of ferroelectricelements may be employed to generate any amount of energy.

In embodiments including a plurality of ferroelectric elements 12, theferroelectric elements 12 are preferably aligned such that thepolarization vectors of the ferroelectric elements 12 are generallyparallel. Thus, the ferroelectric elements 12 are preferably positionedsuch that their longitudinal axes are generally parallel. Such aconfiguration enables a single explosive charge, such as the explosivecharge 16, to be detonated and generate a shock wave to at leastpartially compress and depolarize the plurality of ferroelectricelements 12. Consequently, embodiments of the present invention enablethe plurality of ferroelectric elements 12 to be utilized withoutrequiring the use of a plurality of explosive charges.

The output terminals 14 are coupled with the ferroelectric element 12 tofacilitate reception and use of the energy generated through shock wavecompression and depolarization of the ferroelectric element 12. As isdiscussed in more detail below, compression and depolarization of theferroelectric element 12 causes a voltage to be generated across two ofits sides. For instance, when compressed the ferroelectric element 12may generate a voltage across the ends 22, 24, the sides 26, 30, thesides 28, 32, etc. Consequently, the output terminals 14 are preferablycoupled with opposing sides or ends of the ferroelectric element 12 toenable a voltage to be generated across the terminals 14.

In various embodiments, the output terminals 14 are coupled with thesides 26, 30 toward the first end 22 of the ferroelectric element 12, asshown in FIGS. 1-2. Such a configuration allows the output terminals 14to be generally aligned with the polarization vector of theferroelectric element 12 to maximize the voltage provided by thegenerator 10. Positioning of the output terminals 14 in proximity to thefirst end 22 additionally maximizes the voltage provided by thegenerator 10 by allowing the ferroelectric element 12 to besubstantially or fully compressed. However, the output terminals 14 maybe coupled with the ferroelectric element 12 at any location.

In some embodiments, the output terminals 14 may be directly coupledwith the ferroelectric element 12. For instance, the output terminals 14may comprise two leads inserted into the sides 26, 30 of theferroelectric element 12. However, the output terminals 14 preferablycomprise leads 34 that may be utilized to provide generated voltage toexternal devices and contact pads 36 coupled with both the leads 34 andthe ferroelectric element 12. Utilization of contact pads 36 enables theterminals 14 to easily couple with the ferroelectric element 12.Further, utilization of contact pads 36 increases the surface areabetween the ferroelectric element 12 and the output terminals 14 andthus increases the voltage provided to the output terminals 14 bycompression of the ferroelectric element 12. The contact pads 36 may beconventionally adhered to or otherwise coupled with the ferroelectricelement 12.

The explosive charge 16 may be any explosive element operable toinitiate a shock wave that propagates at least partially through theferroelectric element 12. Preferably, the explosive charge 16 includeshigh explosive elements to reduce the volume and amount of materialrequired to initiate the desired shock wave discussed below. Morepreferably, the explosive charge 16 includes or is otherwise formed froma cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) high explosive or other detonablehigh explosive.

The explosive charge 16 preferably presents a generally conicalconfiguration having a base 38 and an apex 40. As shown in FIG. 1, theexplosive charge 16 is preferably positioned such that the base 38 isdirected towards the ferroelectric element 12 and the apex 40 isdirected away from the ferroelectric element 12. The explosive charge 16is coupled with the detonator 18 in proximity to the apex 40. Such aconfiguration facilitates generation of the desired transverse shockwave discussed below. Utilization of a malleable explosive alsofacilitates formation of the various embodiments of the presentinvention by enabling the explosive charge 16 to be easily formed intothe desired conical configuration. However, as should be appreciated,the explosive charge 16 may present any shape and be malleable ornon-malleable.

The detonator 18 is coupled with the explosive charge 16 to enabledetonation of the explosive charge 16 and generation of the desiredshock wave. As discussed above, the detonator 18 is preferably coupledwith the apex 40 of the explosive charge 16. However, the detonator 18may be directly or indirectly coupled in any configuration with theexplosive charge 16. In various embodiments, the detonator 18 includes aRD-501 EBW detonator. However, the detonator 18 may include any elementsoperable to detonate the explosive charge 16 and may be specificallyconfigured for compatibility with the explosive charge 16. The detonator18 is preferably coupled with an external control system to control thefunction and timing of the detonation of the explosive charge 16.

Embodiments of the present invention preferably include the housing 20to house at least portions of the ferroelectric element 12, the outputterminals 14, the explosive charge 16, and the detonator 18. Utilizationof the housing 20 enables the generator 10 to be easily transportedwithout damage and also prevents potentially caustic elements of thegenerator 10, such as the explosive charge 16 and detonator 18, fromcoming into undesirable contact with external elements such as sensitiveequipment or people. The housing 20 also facilitates desirablepositioning of the various generator 10 elements, such as theferroelectric element 12 and the explosive charge 16, by restrictingtheir movement. In some embodiments, the housing 20 may be at leastpartially filled with a dielectric filing 42 to facilitate positioningand shock matching of the ferroelectric element 12. For instance, thedielectric filing 42 may include epoxy or any other hardening substanceto solidify the position of the ferroelectric element 12 and theexplosive charge 16.

The housing 20 is preferably comprised of resilient materials to protectthe various generator 10 elements, such as various plastics, woods, ormetals. In some embodiments the housing 20 is comprised of materialsthat are less likely than other materials to harm bystanders or nearbyequipment when the explosive charge 16 is detonated. For example, insome embodiments it may be desirable to form the housing 20 fromplastics, such as polyethylene, to minimize the risk of injury caused byflying debris and shrapnel when the explosive charge 16 is detonated.

The housing 20 may present any shape or configuration. In someembodiments, the housing 20 may present a generally cylindrical ortubular configuration as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In some embodimentsemploying a cylindrical configuration, the housing 20 has a length ofapproximately 100 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 55 mm. Thus,the present invention may be compactly employed to provide large amountsof electrical energy. However, the housing 20 may be any size in orderto include any number of ferroelectric elements 12.

In various embodiments, the housing 20 is comprised of a cylinder 44 anda charge holder 46. The cylinder 44 is preferably comprised ofpolyethylene and includes a generally closed bottom and cylindricalsides extending therefrom. The cylinder 44 retains the ferroelectricelements 12 and is at least partially filled with the dielectric filing42 as discussed above. The output terminals 14 may protrude from thebottom of the cylinder 44.

The charge holder 46 is also preferably comprised of polyethylene and isoperable to retain the explosive charge 16 and the detonator 18.Preferably, the charge holder 46 includes a generally concave recess tofacilitate shaping and positioning of the explosive charge 16. The endsof the charge holder 46 are preferably open such that the base 38 of theexplosive charge 16 may face the ferroelectric element 12 and thedetonator 18 may be coupled with external control equipment, as shown inFIG. 1. The charge holder 46 may couple with the cylinder 44 utilizingconventional coupling, fastening, or interlocking elements.

Utilization of the cylinder 44 and charge holder 46 enables thegenerator 10 to be easily formed, stored, and operated. For instance,the cylinders 44 may be stored in a generally conventional manner, asthey include non-explosive elements, while the potentially volatilecharge holder 46 and explosive charge 16 may be stored utilizingappropriate safety measures. Further, utilization of both the cylinder44 and charge holder 46 facilitates alignment of the explosive charge 16and the ferroelectric element 12 to generate the desired shock wave.

In some embodiments, a shock wave shaper 56 may be positioned within orcoupled with the explosive charge 16 to shape the shock wave resultingfrom detonation of the explosive charge 16 in a desired manner. Forinstance, the shock wave shaper 56 may be positioned such that, incombination with the angle and size of the charge holder 46, thegenerated shock wave is approximately planar at the end of the charge16. Such a configuration facilitates the generation of a shock wave thatis at a desired angle to the polarization vector of the ferroelectricelement 12 as discussed below.

The generator 10 may be coupled with any external elements, systems, ordevices to provide electrical energy thereto. Specifically, the outputterminals 14 may be coupled in various configurations with externalelements, systems, and/or devices to provide electrical energy thereto.In some embodiments, the generator 10 may be coupled with an antennaelement 48 utilizing the output terminals 14. The antenna element 48 isoperable to radiate energy utilizing the voltage provided by thegenerator 10. Such a configuration enables the generator 10 and theantenna element 48 to form a compact and high-power microwave systemthat may be easily transported and utilized in remote environments.

In some embodiments, the antenna element 48 may comprise a length ofwire or cable, such as a 1.4 meter RG-8 50 ohm cable, that is directlyconnected to the output terminals 14. The schematic diagram of FIG. 4illustrates the circuit equivalent of this configuration, where L_(G)and R_(G) are the inductance and resistance of the shock-wave compressedpart of the ferroelectric element 12, C_(G) is the capacitance of theuncompressed part of the ferroelectric element 12, C_(L) is thecapacitance of the cable, and R_(L) and L_(L) are the resistance andinductance of the cable and any connecting wires.

In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, theantenna element 48 may comprise a cable 50 coupled at with at least oneof the output terminals 14, such as a 1.4-meter length of RG-8 50 ohmcable, a spark gap switch 52 coupled with the cable 50, and a dipoleantenna 54 coupled with the spark gap switch 52. In such configurations,the inner-electrode distance provided by the spark gap switch 52 may bevaried to determine the operating voltage of the switch 52, and thus theoperating voltage of the dipole antenna 54. In some embodiments, theinner-electrode distance of the spark gap switch 52 is preferablyapproximately 1 mm to 20 mm, and more preferably in the 2 mm to 8 mmrange.

Shortening the length of the inner-electrode distance of the spark gapswitch 52 leads to a lower inductance of the switch 52, andcorrespondingly increases the frequency of microwaves radiated by thedipole antenna 54, decreases the operating voltage of the switch 52, anddecreases the amplitude of the radiated microwaves. The dipole antenna54 is preferably a conventional dipole antenna having a length ofapproximately 1 m. However, as should be appreciated, the dipole antenna54 may present any configuration or size to generate particularmicrowaves or other electromagnetic waves. Further, in some embodimentsthe spark gap switch 52 may be directly coupled with the outputterminals 14 such that utilization of the cable 50 is not necessary.

Utilization of the generator 10, spark gap switch 52, and dipole antenna54, enables a compact microwave system to be easily constructed at lowcost. Further, such a combination is reliable and durable and does notutilize complex electronics or mechanical elements, thereby allowing thesystem to be easily transported and used in areas where electricalenergy is not readily available.

As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the generator 10 may be coupled with testequipment to utilize or analyze the generated energy. The test equipmentmay include current and voltage monitors, oscilloscopes, circuitanalyzers, personal computing and digital equipment devices, etc.Preferably, the test equipment is coupled with the output terminals 14to measure, detect, analyze, or otherwise utilize the energy generatedby the generator 10.

In operation, the generator 10 is configured as discussed above. Thegenerator 10 may be utilized to generate electrical energy independentof the antenna element 48 such that utilization of the antenna element48 is not necessary in all embodiments. For instance, the generator 10may be configured to provide electrical energy for remote sensing orremote microwave functions, to provide energy to electromagneticpropulsion systems such as rail guns, to charge a capacitor bank, toprovide an initial charge for a plasma/fusion containment device, topower a laser or electron beam, etc.

To generate electrical energy, the detonator 18 is detonated by a user.For example, the user may apply an electrical charge to the detonator 18utilizing control equipment such as a computing or test device todetonate the explosive charge 16. Detonation of the explosive charge 16causes a shock wave to radiate therefrom. Due to the positioning of theexplosive charge 16 and the ferroelectric element 12, the shock wavegenerated by the explosive charge 16 is preferably generally transverseto the polarization vector of the ferroelectric element 12. Inembodiments where the explosive charge 16 is generally conically shaped,the conical shaping further facilitates generation of the desirableshock wave transverse to the polarization vector of the ferroelectricelement 12. In embodiments where a plurality of ferroelectric elements12 are utilized the generated shock wave propagates generally transverseto the polarization vector of each ferroelectric element 12 to increasethe efficiency of the generator 10.

As the shock wave propagates through the ferroelectric element 12generally transverse to the polarization vector, the propagating shockwave causes the ferroelectric element 12 to be at least partiallycompressed and depolarized. Such depolarization of the ferroelectricelement 12 causes a voltage to be generated across its opposing sides,such as the sides 26, 30. Thus, embodiments of the present invention donot require the use of impactor or flyer plates to compress anddepolarize the ferroelectric element 12.

In some embodiments the shock wave generated by detonation of theexplosive charge 16 is not necessarily transverse to the polarizationvector of the ferroelectric element 12. For instance, the generatedshock wave may propagate through the ferroelectric element 12 at anyangle relative to the polarization vector, including non-transverse,parallel, or any other angle, depending on the particular configurationof the ferroelectric element 12 and explosive charge 16.

Consequently, the present invention enables the ferroelectric element 12to be compressed and depolarized through direct shock wave action,thereby increasing the reliability, effectiveness, and efficiency of thegenerator 10. As should be appreciated, the ferroelectric element 12does not need to be completely or totally compressed and depolarized bythe shock wave. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may generateenergy through only partial depolarization and compression of theferroelectric element 12.

The output terminals 14 are coupled with the sides 26, 30 to allow thegenerated energy to propagate from the ferroelectric element 12. Inembodiments where a plurality of ferroelectric elements 12 are utilized,at least a portion of each ferroelectric element 12 is compressed anddepolarized to generate a voltage across each of the elements'respective output terminals 14. The output terminals 14 of the pluralityof ferroelectric elements 12 may be coupled in any parallel, serial, orother configuration to provide a desired electrical output. The outputterminals 14 may be coupled with the antenna element 48 as discussedabove to generate microwaves or other electromagnetic waves.

Utilization of the generator 10 enables substantial amounts ofelectrical energy to be generated. For example, as shown in FIG. 12,embodiments of the present invention employing ferroelectric elements 12having dimensions of approximately 12.7 mm by 12.7 mm by 51 mm areoperable to generate between approximately 30 kV and 40 kV if oneferroelectric element 12 is utilized, and up to approximately 80 kV ifthree ferroelectric elements 12 are utilized. Utilization of additionalferroelectric elements 12, such as four or more ferroelectric elements,enables various embodiments of the present invention to provide greaterthan 80 kV of generated energy.

In embodiments where the generator 10 is coupled with the antennaelement 48, substantial microwaves may also be generated. For instance,various embodiments of the present invention discussed in the precedingparagraph and employing the antenna element 48 may generate microwaveshaving a frequency in the 20 MHz to 50 MHz range and amplitudesexceeding 100 V.

The generator 10 additionally provides electrical energy rapidly. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the generator 10 may provide its maximumvoltage less than a microsecond after detonation of the explosive charge16. Depending upon the configuration of the present invention, someembodiments are operable to provide electrical energy in the form of apulse having duration in the range of 2 to 8 microseconds. Thus,embodiments of the present invention are well suited to applicationsrequiring an immediate or quick burst of electrical energy.

Although the invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it isnoted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made hereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention as recited in theclaims.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, what isclaimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includesthe following:

1. An energy generator comprising: a ferroelectric element having apolarization represented by a polarization vector; a plurality of outputterminals coupled with the ferroelectric element; an explosive charge;and a detonator coupled with the explosive charge, wherein the detonatoris operable to detonate the explosive charge to generate a shock wavethat propagates at least partially through the ferroelectric elementgenerally non-parallel to the polarization vector to at least partiallydepolarize the ferroelectric element and generate a voltage across atleast one output terminal.
 2. The generator of claim 1, wherein thegenerated shock wave propagates through the ferroelectric elementgenerally transverse to the polarization vector to at least partiallydepolarize the ferroelectric element.
 3. The generator of claim 1,wherein the ferroelectric element includes lead zirconate titanate. 4.The generator of claim 1, wherein the output terminals are coupled withopposing sides of the ferroelectric element.
 5. The generator of claim1, wherein the explosive charge has a configuration presenting anarrowed end and a widened end that is wider than the narrowed end. 6.The generator of claim 5, wherein the widened end of the explosivecharge is directed towards the ferroelectric element, and the narrowedend of the charge is directed away from the ferroelectric element. 7.The generator of claim 6, further including a housing to house at leastportions of the ferroelectric element, the output terminals, theexplosive charge, and the detonator.
 8. The generator of claim 1,further including a plurality of ferroelectric elements each havingoutput terminals coupled therewith, the ferroelectric elementspositioned such that detonation of the explosive charge causes the shockwave to propagate at least partially through each of the ferroelectricelements to generate a voltage across at least two of the outputterminals.
 9. An energy generator comprising: a ferroelectric element; aplurality of output terminals coupled with the ferroelectric element; anexplosive charge having a narrowed end and a widened end that is widerthan the narrowed end; and a detonator coupled with the explosivecharge, wherein the detonator is operable to detonate the explosivecharge to generate a shock wave that propagates at least partiallythrough the ferroelectric element to generate a voltage across at leastone output terminal.
 10. The generator of claim 9, wherein the widenedend of the explosive charge is directed towards the ferroelectricelement, and the narrowed end of the charge is directed away from theferroelectric element.
 11. The generator of claim 9, wherein theferroelectric element has a polarization represented by a polarizationvector and the generated shock wave propagates at least partiallythrough the ferroelectric element generally non-parallel to thepolarization vector to at least partially depolarize the ferroelectricelement.
 12. The generator of claim 11, wherein the generated shock wavepropagates generally transverse to the polarization vector.
 13. Thegenerator of claim 9, wherein the ferroelectric element has apolarization represented by a polarization vector and the generatedshock wave propagates at least partially through the ferroelectricelement generally parallel to the polarization vector to at leastpartially depolarize the ferroelectric element.
 14. A method ofgenerating electrical energy, the method comprising: positioning aferroelectric element proximal to an explosive charge; coupling aplurality of output terminals with the ferroelectric element; anddetonating the explosive charge to generate a shock wave that propagatesat least partially through the ferroelectric element to generate avoltage across at least one output terminal, wherein the shock wavepropagates from the explosive charge unimpeded to the ferroelectricelement.
 15. The method of generating electrical energy of claim 14,further comprising providing a housing to house at least portions of theferroelectric element, the plurality of output terminals, and theexplosive charge.
 16. The method of generating electrical energy ofclaim 14, further comprising coupling the output terminals with a powerconditioning system for to which the generated voltage is applied. 17.The method of generating electrical energy of claim 14, wherein theshock wave is the only force affecting the ferroelectric element togenerate the voltage.